"Fabulous after Fifty™" is the Syndicated On-Line Weekly Column by Shirley W. Mitchell, a National Author/Writer/Syndicated Columnist/Speaker and Celebrity Radio Talk Show Host, also known as "The Golden Egg of Aging™" -  View some of the most inspirational and motivational articles on aging, baby boomers, seniors, senior lifestyles, health, diet, exercise, business, women's and men's issues, specific topic articles, poems, writings, recipes, area news, and special people. Shirley W. Mitchell's "Passion" for encouraging Aging people is both Contagious and Intense! We have the Ability to Change Aging History with our "Pulse" & "Faith". To Teach. To Educate. To Transform. If you enjoy the Articles posted here, you will certainly enjoy my Column Articles within  "Senior Lifestyle Magazine".

Jan. 3, 1989

Jan. 3, 1989 - Be The Best That We Can Be This Year © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "Thou crownest the year with thy goodness, and thy paths drop fatness." Psalms 65:11 KJV January is an exciting month! A new beginning! The Lord is handing to each of us a gift wrapped package of a New Year! Each one of us should accept this great gift with praise and thanksgiving to the giver. As we untie the bow of this gift of a new year, will we waste it or use it for good? As we open the package, we all want our new year to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure. Let's talk about goals for this new year. How about great enthusiasm and positive thinking for starters? Enthusiasm has a greek origin, meaning, "God within." It is this "Power within" that is today's American woman's greatest asset. Enthusiasm is contagious. It is the powerful motivation that makes good things happen. If you are an enthusiastic wife, mother, homemaker and woman in the workplace, your managers, customers, employees, co-workers, constituents and family will catch your enthusiasm. Be positive. The positive resolves the negative. Another great goal for the new year is to never give up. Remember a diamond is just a piece of coal that stuck to its job. One great American woman who has stuck to her job is emerging as a diamond in new year is our new United States Labor Secretary, Elizabeth Dole. Elizabeth Dole will be a good representative for all women as a member of President-elect Bush's cabinet. Like Elizabeth Dole, let each of us take this gift of a new year and be the best that we can be! Happy New Year!

Jan. 10, 1989

Jan. 10, 1989 - Hard Work: Trait Of Upwardly Mobile Women © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." Psalm 90:17 KJV Hard work is the corner stone of success. On our television screen, we watch Debbie Thomas, the United States Olympic Ice Skater, glide over the ice. She creates double and triple jumps with ease and flashes her skate blades in the spotlights of success. She makes her performance look so easy, we fail to realize that she has dedicated her life to her or craft. We watch her sequins sparkle, her shapely legs stretch and follow her poised hands up and around in perfect synchronization with the music, and we dream of doing the same with our lives. Having a dream is the first step to hard work. A woman with her very own dream has the motivation to dedicate herself to working hard for personal and professional excellence. Some of the characteristics common to the new "upwardly mobile" American woman have been seen in the fact that she is confident, intelligent, educated, intuitive, not afraid to take a carefully calculated risk; and she is known as a hard worker. A successful woman must have common sense coupled with strength and dignity. Anything is possible to any woman in America if she takes hold of God's hand and will dare to dream big enough, think big enough, gain confidence and determination big enough, and work for it hard enough. A woman may have talent, intelligence and beauty, but without discipline, control and hard work, she will remain unpolished gem, without sparkle and without reward. It is possible for the American woman to go to the top of her dreams, if she is willing to work. Lord, let your beauty shine upon me and establish the works of my hands. Amen.

Jan. 17, 1989

Jan. 17, 1989 - Talent, Creativeness Are Divine © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. " Exodus 31:3 KJV A spark of desire can kindle the flame of success. Do you have a burning desire deep in your secret self where nobody but you can go? Do you realize that your inner dreams and desires are actually God's ideas? Fan the flame of your burning desire. Your artistic talent, creativeness, inventive motivation, wisdom, understanding, knowledge and workmanship are planted inside you by your creator. The art of living is deciding what you enjoy doing most with this precious gift of life and doing that. Do not make other people's goals your own. You must have your own purpose in life. God's desire is for you to feel free to pursue your own thoughts and fulfillment. God planted the bright idea in Ben Franklin's mind that lighting has great power. Ben flew a kite in a thunderstorm to attract lightening. He had a dream to harness that electrical power for the good of mankind. Everyone reading this column knows how Ben's brainstorm has changed pur lives for the better. If you have a special spark within you, it is your responsibility to fan that spark into a burning flame. Artistic talent, creativeness and inventive motivation are divine. Father, thank you for investing your gifts in me. Amen.

Jan. 24, 1989

Jan. 24, 1989 - New First Lady Barbara Bush © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land." Proverbs 31:10-23 KJV Time Magazine called our new first lady, Barbara Bush, "The Silver Fox", a nickname given to her by her five children. This down-to-earth first lady will represent to American women the kinder, gentler world which her husband has talked about in glowing terms during the campaign. She proves to every woman that there is honor in motherhood. At 63, Barbara has no regrets that she poured her energies into raising five children and loving 10 grandchildren. Barbara can relate to women who have lost children. She lost her second child, Robin, 3, to leukemia. At this point Barbara took cancer research as one of her projects. Our new first lady can sympathize with women who are facing problems with children who are suffering with dyslexia. Because of her son Neil's dyslexia, she has as another of her projects, fighting illiteracy. Look for the lady who is a pillow away from the president of our great country to be interested in literacy, cancer research and education. The "Silver Fox" confesses to the press that she wears pearls to cover the wrinkles her neck. This statement endears her to the women of America. Every woman will get wrinkles as a price of living. Getting older is nothing to get frantic about. But the bottom line is, Barbara Bush loves her husband. After 44 years of marriage, 29 moves, five grandchildren and 10 grandchildren, being George Bush's wife is her top priority. Welcome to center stage, Barbara Bush!

Jan. 31, 1989

Jan. 31, 1989 - Giving Words Of Encouragement © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 25:11 KJV Positive, pleasant words of praise gives one encouragement. Wise old Solomon said, "Pleasant words are like an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." The great Helen Keller gave us these beautiful words, "Your success and happiness lie in you. External conditions are the accidents of life, its outer wrappings. The great, enduring realities are love and service. Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulty." These words of wisdom coming from Helen Keller have great meaning. They are like apples of gold, in pictures of silver. Words of encouragement, wisdom, praise and love have lifted many a weary soul out of despair. You are today's lace over steel woman. Sweeten your world with pleasant words. As heart of your home, you have the tool of positive words spirit in your home. If you are in the work place, you can be a positive force by using encouraging words. "May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer Psalms 19:14 TLB

Feb. 7, 1989

Feb. 7, 1989 - Feeling The Big Chill Of February © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "Be still, and know that I am I.. "Psalms 46:10 KJV February is here, making our hearts beat with wild exhilaration, enjoying the majestic winter season! Old man winter's cold breath breathing down upon us from Alaska. An excellent goal in February is to be still and know your God, your Creator, in an intimate way through studying His word, talking to Him and listening intently. Extreme winter weather conditions often bring us into the cozy indoors to spend a large number of waking hours. What better way could we spend some of this time indoors than to grow spiritually. Not only do we need to be renewed spiritually during this cold month of February, we also need to be renewed physically. Don't curl up with an afghan and a box of chocolate candy in front of the glowing fire. Inactivity results in sluggishness and premature aging. Exercise gives you more energy and better health. Bring your exercise indoors on brutally cold days. Some ideas are: aerobic exercise video tapes, climbing stairs, jumping rope, jumping on a mini-trampoline, exercise bicycle and fitness television programs. When you feel good you are more alert. To be alert gives one the opportunity to make every day great. As you make every day a masterpiece, you will create a super February. If you stay in tune with your maker, you will be a world-class worker, wife and mother, at your own pace, in your own style, with your own priorities. God made you special and He has a special plan for your life. Determine during the month of February to be still and know that plan. Lord, I desire to be still and know you! Amen.

Feb. 14, 1989

Feb. 14, 1989 - Love Makes The World Go Round © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "These things I command you, that ye love one another." St. John l5:17 KJV "As the smallest light beam is but a reflection of the light and heat that are in the sun, so all truth and all love have their origin in God." "Love, indeed, makes the world go round - and takes it back to its ultimate source, which is God." - Rev. Fulton J. Sheen Today is Valentine's Day, and our thoughts turn to love. Many roses will be sent to sweethearts. The florists across the USA are hoping to sell 55 million roses. Thoughtfulness will be the theme of the day. Valentine's Day is one great big celebration of love. Love is constructive energy. Love is open arms serving humanity. Love takes the cold chill out of the wind of adversity. Love heals a broken world. Our very own 1988 Albertville Citizen of the Year, Jill Mitchem, uses her love to make the world go round. Wife of three-term State Senator Hinton Mitchem, and mother of three outstanding children, Jill is the anchor of love and stability in her home. This "Lace Over Steel" woman represents the femininity, sensitivity, and compassion of today's woman as she gives her time, expertise and energy to worthy causes in her community, state and nation. Jill represented Marshall County well as she served as our delegate to the 1988 Democratic National Convention. Jill inspires every woman to be "lace" - feminine, beautiful inside and out, intuitive, sensitive and compassionate on this St. Valentine's Day. She also represents the "steel" of good character, intelligence, integrity and the spirit of love. Indeed! "Love  makes world go round."

Feb. 21, 1989

Feb. 21, 1989 - Lesson In Determination From A Bee © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "...This one thing I know-God is for me!" Psalms 56:9 Many American women today are suffering from an identity crisis. Society urges women to find personal fulfillment through challenging and exciting careers. But, most career women recognize the need to build strong family relationships, by spending quality time with their husbands and children. Mary Kay Ash is a bolt of encouragement streaking across the American business scene. Her story evokes a feeling that a woman with desire, will and tenacity can be whatever she wants to be. Her company, Mary Kay Cosmetics, grew from a little storefront company with nine saleswomen to an international family of more than 200,000 business women. Her book, MARY KAY, is dedicated to "... the thousands of women who dared to step our of their 'comfort zones' and use their God-given talents and abilities, realizing that God did not have time to make a nobody-just a somebody. Mary Kay Ash delights in watching women grow and develop in her company. She stated, "Some women come to the company vogue on the outside and vague on the inside." The Mary Kay organization is dedicated to helping women turn their vague into vogue-inside and out. The very successful Mary Kay makes no excuses for the balance in her life and the priorities she has set for herself. It's God first, family second and career third. Mary Kay Cosmetics has adopted the bumblebee as the symbol of the women who have "flown to the top." This "first lady" of home cosmetics believes the bumblebee is a marvelous symbol of women. Aerodynamic engineers have determined that "technically" the bumblebee's wings are too weak to carry its heavy body into flight. But, the bumblebee doesn't know about that technology, so it simply soars into unhampered flight to the top. Due to overcoming what others have dubbed "weakness" the bumblebee has flown on up to greatness with undaunted determination. Mary Kay thinks the successful woman has to have that extraordinary determination to make it to the top of her dreams. Mary Kay Ash's positive enthusiasm and great success give the American woman who is experiencing an identity crisis, HOPE.

Feb. 28, 1989

Feb. 28, 1989 - Success: Plan, Use Common Sense, Know Facts © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts." Proverbs 24: 3, 4 The Living Bible The late Mary Crowley rose from a heartbreaking unhappy childhood to become the president of Home Interiors and Gifts Inc., a multi-million dollar national business based in Dallas, Texas. Mary places credit for her tremendous success directly on God's doorstep. Instead of being an "if" thinker, Mary became a "how" thinker, by applying the book of Proverbs to her daily life and business. Mary applied this principle during the "great depression". She applied for a job in the largest, most attractive store in town. The store manager caught Mary's enthusiasm and told her she could have the job if she could produce sales for one day. Mary devised a plan on "how" to produce. She knew that everything in the store cost $.97, $1.97 and $2.97. Whatever the customers bought, they would receive $.03 change. She told each of her customers that they could by a $.04 brightly colored spool of thread for only one more penny. At the end of the day, Mary was the top salesperson. She got a full-time job at the store. Mary Crowley worked to the top of her dreams. She said to her company, "When you work for God, the pay is good and the retirement is...out of this world." (Quote from her book, Women Who Win) Mary C. Crowley was a recipient of the Horatio Alger Award. She was the first woman to sit on the board of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. One of Mary's slogans reads,  "Expect great things to happen to you and work to bring them about." She said ten two-letter words can change your life: "If it is to be, it is up to me." Her favorite slogan was displayed on her desk. Atempt something so great that it is bound to fail unless God is in it." Mary Crowley built her business on wise planning, common sense, and keeping abreast of the facts.

Mar. 7, 1989

Mar. 7, 1989 - Head Into The Wind - Fly Higher © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens; and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth: he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures." Jeremiah 51:16 KJV Will March come in like a lion and go out like a lamb; or will it come in like a lamb and go out like a lion? Whatever the outcome, we know there will be howling winds and blustery weather somewhere in between. March has been called the tomboy of the year. When I think about the turbulence of the March wind, I am reminded of the sometimes turbulent life of a woman in the workplace. Your life! The storm-winds of life can make us fly higher if we head into the wind. Have you ever flown a kite? The kite rises against the wind. No woman has ever advanced her life and flown higher in a dead calm. Thank God for the storm winds of life that keep us pressing onward and looking upward to God. Oprah Winfrey is a good example of a woman in the workplace who has headed into the wind to fly higher. She has gone from her troubled teens where she was almost sent to a detention center, to one of the most influential women in America. She is TV talk show host, businesswoman and inspirational speaker. Her own TV production studio had 1988 revenues of $80 million. February 25, 1989, Oprah was a keynote speaker in New York at seminar sponsored by the American Woman's Economic Development Corp. She told the women attending, "There's a power inside us that is the greatest force on earth. Listen to the spirit. If you go into business without consulting the spirit, the business is doomed." She also advised the women to beleive in what they are doing. Oprah Winfrey found God's' mercy concealed within every storm cloud in her life. She learned that His grace flows beneath every cross-current. As the winds of adversity blew high, she became alert and keen to God's presence. She could feel God strengthening her spiritual fiber. Working women will learn to head into the wind with sheer delight, because in the time of stress and strain we get a clearer revelation of God. Hard times drive each of us to God. They make us desperately aware our humanness and our own complete helplessness. Human tragedy, cold with hopelessness and moist with tears brings us into the supernatural reign of higher power. As you head into the storm winds of your life, fly higher!

Mar. 14, 1989

Mar. 14, 1989 - American Woman: Choosing Her Own Track © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "... Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty." 2 Corinthinians 3:17 KJV America stands on the foundation "In God We Trust". Freedom is the key word in our country. Florence Griffith-Joyner, Flo-Jo, three-time gold medal winner during the 1988 Summer Olympics, is using her freedom to change tracks. After destroying the world records in the 100 and 200 meter dashes, the darling of the 1988 Olympic Games is changing her career to acting and wrting children's books. At a news conference, Flo-Jo said, "From now on, I have decided to run on a different track, and to strive for the best of which I am capable in a different field." Because of Flo-Jo's running exploits, her provacative style and her winning personality, she has been deluged with offers from television, publishers, movie productions and businesses. Success came gradually for Flo-Jo. She told reporters that she always did her best. She dressed well and trained hard. This "Lace Over Steel" woman used five words that brought her success-dedication, discipline, hard work, enthusiasm and tenacity. She intends to put these five words to use in her new career. It is wonderful to live in America where women are free to be all that they can be. She even has the prerogative to change horses in the middle of the stream. Florence Griffith-Joyner will become the world's fastest actress and aspiring children's author.

Mar. 21, 1989

Mar. 21, 1989 - Spring: Charming Chapter In Book Of Life © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "While the earth remaineth, seedtime, and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." Genesis 8:22 KJV The change of the seasons Is exciting to me. The variety of the seasons adds spice to life. The beauty of the earth in the spring sings the joy of the Lord! I enjoy the changes of pace of the weather. March is a month of unexpected happenings-maybe snow today and sunshine tomorrow. Spring gives the working woman her second wind. It gives her new motivations for new beginnings, new dreams, and new goals. Spring makes our spirits sing like birds. The warm weather gives a keen sense of anticipation for new activities and beauty. Nothing can squelch the determined daffodil on the first day of spring as it sings a song of winter's end. The daffodil raises its lovely yellow head andmscreams for joy. As I think of the beauty of spring, I get a thrill of the new direction in life spring brings. The first day of spring, 1987, my husband and I were attending a National American Wholesale Groceries Association convention in Chicago with the theme, "New Directions." The inspirational speaker for the day was Tom Sullivan. Tom was blind, A popular movie based on his live, "If You Could See What I Hear", told how he turned the disadvantage of blindness into advantage as an actor, singer, writer and humorist. Mr. Sullivan challenged me to celebrate all facets of life, to touch life and let life sing a love song to me. He informed me that if I listened, I could hear music wherever I go. I challenge you to listen to the music of spring. Celebrate all facets of your life during this beautiful season. Allow spring 1989 to sing a love song to you, dear reader.

Mar. 28, 1989

Mar. 28, 1989 - Let Hope Light Your Pathway © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "...hope thou in God..." Psalms 42:5 KJV "Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible." (copied, author unknown) Let hope light your path today. I know these are insecure times. Terrorist attacks continue to horrify us. Feat of nuclear war fills us with dread. The widespread use of drugs puts a personal fear in our hearts. Personal problems plague everyone. But hope is a dynamic, powerful word. Real living hope breeds expectancy. Hope, expectancy, positive thinking, and positive action can be the ingredients that changes failure into success, sickness into health and weakness into power. Rosalynn Carter is one "Lace Over Steel" lady that is giving hope. She and former President Jimmy Carter together wrote a warm, encouraging book, "Everything to Gain", addressing the bewilderment of change, growing older and an uncertain future. They wrote from their hearts treasure and their well of experience. Their book helps people make the most of life. Their long hard hours of work and dedication has resulted in the Carter Center of Emory University. They travel and do hard labor for their favorite project, Habitat for Humanity. When working on the Habitat for Humanity project, Rosalynn Carter drives nails, paints walls and hangs wallpaper. She is helping to give hope to someone who cannot afford a home. She said in a recent interview, "working with Habitat has given me a better understanding of how God loves all people and how we also should love everyone." As you master the positive art of hoping, plant seeds of hope in other people in your home, workplace, community, nation and world. Lord, my hope is you. Amen.

Apr. 4, 1989

Apr. 4, 1989 - Making The Most Of Possibilities © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "She is clothed with strength and dignity;..." "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Proverbs 31: 25, 26 NIV Voltaire said, "Life is like a game of cards. Each player must accept the cards that life deals to him or her. With cards in hand, each person must decide how the hand will be played in order to win the game." Marilyn Quayle, wife of vice-president Dan Quayle, is learning to play the cards life has dealt her. Marilyn, a lawyer, had a practice in Indiana before she moved to Washington D.C. The year 1989 has been spent getting her children, Tucker, 14, Benjamin, 12, and Corinne, 10, acclimated to their new home and new schools. Marilyn Quayle was the keynote speaker last week at the National Women's History Month gathering. She wrote her own speech. She quoted Emily Dickinson: "I dwell in possibilities." It will be exciting to watch Marilyn Quayle make the most of her possibilities as wife of our new vice-president. She challenged women of today when she said, "Women of the past faced life squarely and met challenges to make this a better world in which to live. We must carry this effort forward to enrich the lives of all Americans." Today's "Lace Over Steel" woman must play her cards of life to win and make the most of her possibilities. Lord, help me to make the most of the possibilities you have given me. Amen.

Apr. 11, 1989

Apr. 11, 1989 - Using Telephone Power Can Help Busy Women Get Ahead © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 25:11 KJV Being in the workforce, your ability to properly communicate with words is vital to your success. The huge telephone network that ties businesses together is one of the main tools of communication. It is essential that each working woman has positive telephone power. The telephone is quickly becoming the meeting place where big deals are nailed down. Effective use of this medium is a must. The exceptional opportunity about telephone conversations is that the person calling has the ability to make notes and rehearse the conversation before dialing. After the connection is made, that caller has the opportunity to read the notes without the receivng party knowing it. The caller can come across professionally and knowledgeable on a given subject. Homework is the key. Identify yourself and your company properly if you are making a business call. Cheerfulness, a smile and kindness come through the voice. Authority, assertiveness and power are also understood by the tone of voice. A balance of these two diverse symbols allow the business woman to positively communicate with the other party. Real telephone power concentrates on clarity and articulation and begin as good and courteous listener. Whether by telephone, or in person, commuication skills never include manipulations of the other person. Openess and honesty are used to deal with situations. When the business is finished, she doesn't linger, but ends the conversation with thankfulness. The telephone is a wonderful tool at work and at home. Common sense and courtesy are key ways to effectively use it. Telephone power will give you personal power. Each woman in the workplace also has a hotline to heaven, God's telephone number is prayer. His line is never busy. Don't let the business of life keep you from calling God! The secret of positive power through Jesus Christ is to communicate with Him constantly. Lord, I thank you for the telephone and prayer. Amen.

Apr. 18, 1989

Apr. 18, 1989 - Learn To Bloom In The Garden Of Life © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring who waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11 NIV In my opinion, Sand Mountain is the garden spot of the world. During April, many area residents prepare lovely vegetable and flower gardens. Daily, I drive my car to Alabama Avenue School to pick up my son. The highlight of my day is driving up Elm Street enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Sue Dickson's yard. Her multicolored azaleas paint a lasting memory in my mind. Life can be compared to a beautiful spring garden. The "Lace Over Steel" woman can protect its beauty by following God's Holy Word. Each woman should dig into the Bible as she mines nuggets of truth for her own life. As the Holy Spirit teaches her the "Rule Book of Life", she will bloom like a beautiful flowers. A life lined up with God's perfect plan, will feel His love wrapped around her. His love surges deep inside her. That love flows out to other people. Like a flower, the fragrance of God's woman is sweet. When the beautiful garden of life becomes littered with the rocks of life's problems, each one of us need God's word to help us walk safely through the rubble. I pray your life will be like a well-watered garden. I pray your life will portray the same beauty as Sue Dickson's azaleas.

Apr. 25, 1989

Apr. 25, 1989 - Is Faith Important To Today's Women? © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God..." Acts 16:14a KJV The concept of a business woman is certainly not new. The Bible talks about Lydia, a seller of purple; Dorcas, the benevolent seamstress; and gives us a portrait of a virtuous woman, describing a business woman with a family, in Proverbs 31: 10-31. McCall's Magazine surveyed 18,125 readers from ages 21 to 65 for its May 1989 issue. The survey showed 86 percent of today's women say faith is important in their lives. Only 14 percent stated that faith was not important. Faith was important in the life of Helen Steiner Rice. She was one of the first business women to speak around this great country on behalf of women and their potential in the business world. Beginning her career in her early twenties with Gibson Greeting Cards in Cincinnati, she once estimated she had written over two million poems. Like Helen Steiner Rice, today's female business women shout real class. Self-confidence, integrity, sensitivity to the needs of others and the ability to handle life's problems with a minimum of stress sets these classy women head and shoulders above the crowd. Smart women create good fortune. They do not wait for "Lady Luck" to come along. Faith in a living God gives each one security. The incredible American free enterprise system gives the American women the opportunity to get on the business roller going up, up, up and make of herself whatever she is capable of being. Myriads of successful American women have already paved the way. The "Total Christian Woman" is emerging.

May 2, 1989

May 2, 1989 - Lucy: Persistence Powered By A Dream © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, it we faint not." Galatians 6:9 KJV The American woman who has a vision, believes she can accomplish her dreams, sets attainable goals, and is persistant in reaching those goals, has strength to perservere in the face of many difficulties. There was a time when the late Lucille Ball did not have a nickel for a cup of coffee. She'd go to a coffee shop. If a man bought two doughnuts and ate only one, leaving a nickel tip, Lucy would slip onto his stool while it was still warm from his body heat. She would quickly order a cup of coffee, pay for it with the man's tip and eat his other doughnut. She nearly starved to death trying to get her career started, but there was no stopping the great lady. She had dream power and persistence that propelled her to success. "The First Lady of Show Business was struck by the lightening of the stage at a very early age. She knew she wanted to be an actress. Shortly after Lucy enrolled in the Anderson-Milton Dramatic School, her mother was notified that she was wasting her money. That delay didn't discourage Lucy, it just made her more determined. She kept trying until she got a chorus job in the third line of Siegfeld's Rio Rita. Before the show, the manager told Lucy to go home. He said, "You are not meant for show business." Although she went home from chorus lines several times, Lucille Ball never gave up: because, she had dream power with persistence. The Queen of Comedy's fantastic success with the "I Love Lucy Show" is history. Though she struggled for years as a model, leading lady in "B" films, extras in movies, bit player, dramatic actress and radio comedian, she moved to "overnight" super-stardom. Lucy, with a devout belief in God and herself, worked hard, and persisted to attain lofty heights as a television star and business tycoon worth millions. Her series premiered Oct. 15, 1951. But "I Love Lucy" has never gone out of style. Today, 117 local stations and 79 countries play the reruns. We will miss "Lace Over Steel" heroine, Lucille Ball, but we will be grateful for all the laughs she has given us.

May 9, 1989

May 9, 1989 - Motherhood: A Juggling Act © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "Lo, Children are an heritage from the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is his reward!" Psalms 127:3 KJV The life of a mother is not easy, but it is wonderful. The challenge and responsibility of taking a human life to train, teach and care for is awesome! But the rewards are great! Motherhood is certainly a juggling act! With more than 50 percent of women in America working outside the home, either by choice or necessity, they often feel poignant conflicts about balancing motherhood and other responsiblities. How can today's mother be a successful juggler? First, one must be organized but flexible. She must have a strong support system and reliable child car. Also, having good communication with one child is an asset. And last of all, make time to nurture yourself. (If you are not good to yourself, you won't be to anyone else.) One woman who exemplifies the joys and responsibilities of motherhood is Debby Boone. With a husband and four children, Debby juggles successfully a singing and acting career. Plus, she writes children's books. Debby seems to have that innovative, high energy, enthusiastic positive drive that allows her to be dynamite. She attributes her juggling success to a deep commitment and relationship with the person she loves, Jesus Christ. American mothers are mostly contented, because they have choices. Each woman doing the juggling act knows there is high cost for gain. So look at the choices and honestly determine your own priorities. Happy Mother's Day!

May 16, 1989

May 16, 1989 - Lessons For Women In Learning To Lead A Quiet Life © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life,..." I Thessalonians A lifelong attitude that God has ou in the hollow at His hand will give you a quiet life in the midst of a busy lifestyle. We Americans want to go faster, and achieve more, so we will be applauded. However, our main desire is to have time to really live. We need time to think, plan, be in touch with ourselves, our creator and those dear ones around us. How is your pace? Could you gear down in the midst of the craziness around you to live serene and poised? It starts with a decision to rest in God in your inner and outer life. Solitude is a rare and treasured time for the "Lace Over Steel" woman. She has time to think, get acquainted with herself, commune with her creator, decide priorities, make plans and set goals. The woman who is a little island of poise in a mad world is a lighthouse. Her family is less likely to fall to divorce, drugs, tragedy. Our first lady, Barbara Bush, is certainly a little island of poise in a mixed-up world. The whole nation draws strength from her. Her husband, five children and 11 grandchildren grow in her love. Most women are natural stewers, fussers and tinkerers. To really live we must slow down and trust God to work through every activity and situation in our lives. "Be still, and know that I am God:..." Psalms 46:10 KJV

May 23, 1989

May 23, 1989 - Female Entrepreneurs Hailed As Superstars © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully be keeping abreast of the facts." Proverbs 24: 3, 4 The Living Bible This is a great new era of progress, the age of the entrepreneur. Many women are turning their talents into gold. They are beginning to realize they can be fulfilled and be independently wealthy by running their own businesses. A common thread that runs through the entrepreneur is self-motivation. The female entrepreneur is an innovative self-starter, and many times self-taught. She gains all the knowledge available about her business; because she knows that knowledge is the key to financial freedom. Thirty years ago entrepreneur Ruth Handler invented the Barbie doll and named it after her daughter. This great doll made world-wide history and helped catapult her company, Mattel, into the largest toy company in the world. Ms. Handler and her husband started Mattel in the mid 1940's making doll furniture in their garage. In 1970, Ruth Handler suffered the loss of a breast to cancer and retired from Mattel in 1974. Not being able to find a suitable breast prosthesis, she sought the help of Peyton Massey, a prosthesis designer in Santa Monica. Ms. Handler started making commercial breast prosthesis with separate rights and lefts that contour the body to wear with bras. Ms. Handler's "Nearly Me" breast prosthesis was in January 1977. This great entrepreneur found a need and filled it! To find a need and fill it is the motivation behind many of today's bright entrepreneurs. The entrepreneural spirit is running rampant among assertive, smart females of this great land of the free. "Work hard and become a leader;  be lazy and never succeed." Proverbs 12:24 The Living Bible

May 30, 1989

May 30, 1989 - Woman Is Compared To Mighty Oak Tree © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "And provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of the spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor." Isiah 61:3 NIV Just off my bedroom patio, a beautiful oak tree is growing, strong and straight. As the vast sprawling root system grows deep into the fertile soil, the oak tree on top of the ground grows tall and strong, speading it's branches far into the air. Today's "Lace Over Steel" woman whose inner life is growing deep into the Spirit of God, will display a strong, straight, powerful outer life. A clean heart, good character, and simple faith will cause the roots of prayer, Bible study, and revelation to produce a mighty oak in her. Oak wood is used often for furniture because it is hard and strong. It also has a beautiful grain. The strength in today's women can be compared to the mighty oak. Over 50 percent of American mothers are working outside the home. However, they are the heart of the home. They have double duty. This lifestyle is not easy. Former First Lady Rosalyn Carter believes the family is this great nation's hope of the future. The family should be a national priority. First Lady Barbara Bush told Parade Magazine, "Our daughter, Dorothy, works full-time,  but she'll still have to sit with her arm around her children, the way I did, and read to them and listen to them and care about them." The mightly oak produces acorns that produce more trees. Today's women who are oaks of righteousness will produce wholesome offsprings be our great nation's future.

Jun. 13, 1989

Jun. 13, 1989 - The Family: A Masterpiece Engineered By God © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Lifestyles - Lace Over Steel™ "...from the very first God made man and woman to be joined together permanently in marriage; therefore a man is to leave his father and mother, and her and his wife are united so that they are no longer two, but one. And no man man may separate what God has joined together." Mark 10: 7-9 The Living Bible To be a member of a loving, caring family is a real plus in life. It gives an invaluable feeling of belonging and continuity. Being a part of a family gives each of us an anchor during the storms of life. The family was God's idea. It is the foundation of our great country. Each American should work to make the family a strong unit. The Supreme Court of the United States of America has held a consistent view of the family since the 19th century. The highest court in our land refuses to sanction polygamy, bigamy or any other relationship that would define a family other than a union of one man and one woman. The Supreme Court said in 1965 in Griswold vs. Connecticut, "Marriage is coming for better or for worse, hopefully enduring and intimate to the degree of being sacred. It is an association that promotes a way of life, not causes; a harmony in living, not political faiths. Holy marriage started with Adam and Eve and endures to this day. But, a negative wind is blowing in these great United States of America. May, 1989, San Fransico adopted a law allowing residents to register heterosexual or homosexual live-in lovers with the city. There are so many unmarried couples living together, Humorist Charles Osgood calls them POSSLQ, (Persons of the Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters.) This is really no laughing matter. If the family crumbles, then the foundation of our great nation will be weakened. The family is indeed God's masterpiece! Let's keep it strong!

Shirley W. Mitchell is the Owner and Founder of Fabulous after Fifty™ - a Motivational, Inspirational and Educational Company located in Northern Alabama providing products and services related to Organizing and Conducting Educational Conferences, Classes, Symposiums, Seminars, Workshops, Speeches and Training Courses in the fields of Aging, Seniors, Senior Lifestyles, Health, Wellness, Nutrition, Generational Women and Men's Issues, Faith, Passion and Purpose, and Distribution of Materials including Multimedia Audio, Video, CD, DVD, Books, Newsletters, Journals, Magazines, Articles, Periodicals, Electronic Books, and other Written and Audio Publications. Ms. Mitchell and Fabulous after Fifty™ are managed and represented by Lighthouse Coastal Productions 466 Sardis Cutoff Road Sardis City, AL 35956. ***Copyright © and Trademark ™ Notice: 1967-2011 All Works, Venues and Content by Shirley W. Mitchell™ including "The Golden Egg of Aging™", "The Fabulous Author™", "Fabulous after 50®", "Fabulous after Fifty™", "Sensational after 60®", "Sensational after Sixty™", "Aging Outside the Box®", "Passionate Sparks™", "Spiritual Sparks for Busy Women™", "Lace Over Steel™", "Ageless Living™", "Endless Energy™", "Better Half of Life™", "Citrus Park™", "Crosstown Info™", "The Amazing System™" and "Aging with Glamour™"are © Copyright and ® Trademark protected*** No part of this Web-Site or Column may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the Agent. If you would like to purchase copies of the articles, please send an E-Mail to us with your request. If you should encounter any problems with this Web-Site please E-Mail the Webmaster.